Every state and state-integrated school and kura in New Zealand has a board of trustees.  The board is a crown entity – that is an organisation that is part of the New Zealand public sector.  They are responsible for the school or kura’s performance and ensuring that all legal requirements are met. 

The board 

• is accountable for student achievement 
  
• sets the vision for the school or kura 
  
• ensures the school or kura complies with legal and policy requirements  
  

First and foremost a board is accountable for student progress and achievement to its parents, community, and the Crown.  

What do trustees do? 

First and foremost a board is accountable for student progress and achievement to its parents, community, and the Crown.  The board has the overall responsibility and accountability for the school or kura. The legal responsibilities of boards of trustees are determined by the Education Act of 1989. Section 75 of the Act outlines the functions and powers of boards: 

1.   A school’s board must perform its functions and exercise its powers in such a way as to ensure that every student at the school is able to attain his or her highest possible standard of educational achievement 

2.   Except to the extent that any enactment or the general law of New Zealand provides otherwise, a school’s board has complete discretion to control the management of the school as it thinks fit.  

Here are some of the specific things boards do: 

• Set the strategic direction and long-term plans for the school or kura in consultation with the school or kura’s community. 
• Monitor the board’s progress against the charter goals and targets. 
• Monitor and evaluate student progress and achievement. Oversee the management of staff, property, finances, curriculum, and administration. 
• Ensure that government priorities are met. 
• Fulfill the intent of the Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage. 
• Appoint and support the principal and assess their performance. 
• Act as good employers to all staff at the school or kura.